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Per RapSheet, Foster needs back surgery, which is expected to happen "very soon," perhaps Wednesday or Thursday. The I.R. transaction will likely take place on Monday. Foster consulted multiple back specialists in an effort to find one who wouldn't recommend the procedure, but couldn't. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported 3-of-3 doctors told him the surgery was needed. Foster is battling a lumbar spine issue. He was playing well before going down, and costs a reasonable $5.75 million in 2014. We don't think Foster will be an offseason cap casualty unless the Texans decide to "blow it up" and undertake a full-on rebuild.

The Florida State Attorney's office has opted not to file charges in Jarvis Landry's domestic battery case.

"I am very thankful that this matter is over and my family and I can put this behind us now," Landry said in a statement. Landy's ex-girlfriend had said he was innocent. As we've learned from the Ezekiel Elliott case, being cleared by the law does not mean Landry is home free with the NFL.

It means that, barring a setback, he will return for Thursday night's game against the Bears. Cobb has struggled at less than full heath in the past, so he should be treated as a mid-range WR3 after missing Week 3 against the Bengals. Cobb's return removes Geronimo Allison from sleeper consideration.

Orleans Darkwa (back) expects to be ready for Sunday's game against the Bucs.

It's good news for the Giants, as Darkwa has been pushing for more work behind an ineffective Paul Perkins. Nevertheless, with both his role and now health uncertain, Darkwa isn't on the Week 4 fantasy radar.

Vernon is still questionable for Week 4, but he's avoided major injury. He'll likely either be "limited" or "DNP" on Wednesday as he receives treatment. Vernon has never missed a game in six NFL seasons.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Timmons will be active this week against the Saints. Timmons skipped the Dolphins' first game and was suspended for the second. With Mike Hull predictably struggling mightily in Timmons' place, the Dolphins should gladly welcome Timmons back, though it's not clear where his head is at.

Chris Johnson will remain the Cardinals' starting running back for Week 4.

Johnson carried the mail on early downs against the Cowboys, but was ineffective. He was out-snapped and out-gained by Andre Ellington. Coach Bruce Arians decided Johnson was "rusty," and will get another chance against the 49ers. Kerwynn Williams is the other option between the tackles.

RotoGrinders.com Daily Slant: On top of the "rust," game flow hurt Johnson’s production. Playing from behind for all but two plays in the 4th, Arizona rolled with Ellington for the final frame while Johnson didn’t log a touch. Their Week 4 opponent, San Francisco, has limited runners to 3.5 ypc but they’ve seen the most attempts and allowed the 10th-most total rushing yards (124.3/game). With Arizona favored by 7, game flow could boost Johnson’s volume. It also helps their O-line should return two starters. Still, he’ll be a high-risk GPP dart throw that may not have a high enough ceiling to be worth the risk.

Ex-Browns and Colts RB Trent Richardson has signed with the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Richardson is going beyond the wall for his return to pro football. Richardson was originally supposed to sign with the Roughriders last month, but the deal fell through after he attempted another NFL comeback. Richardson hasn't appeared in an NFL game since 2014. Regina, Saskatchewan, where the Roughriders are located, is 1,337 miles from Indianapolis.

It's a step in the right direction after Bakhtiari got in three DNPs last week. The Pack may still just be trying to move Bakhtiari along for Week 4, but are thin along their offensive line right now. Fill-in LT Kyle Murphy (foot) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday. Bakhtiari hasn't played since Week 1.

Eagles OC Frank Reich says there's "no doubt" Wendell Smallwood will be in for an increased role in Darren Sproles' absence.

Reich is just confirming the obvious, but it's good to hear it from the horse's mouth. Smallwood soundly out-snapped LeGarrette Blount against the Giants, and out-touched him, too. Blount should take the lead on early downs for the time being, but Smallwood is shaping up as the preferred fantasy own/play. He will monopolize third downs and mix in between the tackles.

Harrison Butker was signed off the Panthers' practice squad as a replacement. It is not clear what injury Santos is dealing with, but he missed time in training camp with a groin issue. It is possible he is brought back later in the season.